Take Without Camera
for E.M.J.

too pretty to look at
too lovely for words

world upon axis
with diamond tips

like brace and bit
tipped with diamond
to be able to penetrate
any wood, anything

whirl upon axis
with diamond tip

less than this, not good enough
to put her in, to put her through
to grace her with

what is the reason
why the caged bird sings

cage for her, were she a bird
would need be made
of white and yellow gold

what I’d want for her
I am unable to afford

what is my soul worth

should I trade it in
in exchange for riches
to reward her with

or her soul for my soul
night after night, for the rest of life

she is as lovely
as she is lively


© Obediah Michael Smith, 2009
9:03 p.m. 18.04.09